Wallace Hjalmer Johnson , 95, Minot, formerly of the Des Lacs area, died Tuesday, March 15, 2011 in a Minot Hospital.

Wallace was born December 1, 1915 at Coulee, North Dakota, the son of Oscar and Freda (Erlingsen) Johnson. He was raised on the family farm near Coulee, attended grade school in Coulee and high school in Donnybrook, ND. Wallace, also, attended Minot State College upon his discharge from the military.

Wallace was united in marriage to Kathleen Spires on October 18, 1942 at Minot. He entered into active duty service with the U.S. Army during World War II and honorably served his country in the European Theatre of the War. He manned a machine gun crew in the invasion of Normandy Beach, as well as the Battle of the Bulge later in the war. Wallace earned 15 battle stars.

Wallace was honorably discharged and returned to North Dakota, where he and Kathleen made their home on a farm near Des Lacs and raised their three children. Wallace and Kathleen retired from farming and moved to Minot in 1999.

Wallace was active on the Des Lacs - Burlington School Board and was instrumental in getting the two schools unified. He was also a member of the Des Lacs Township Board, RLDS Church Board, Minot American Legion Post #26, Des Lacs Elevator Board, and the Elks Lodge #1089 of Minot until it closed. His hobbies included, camping, bowling, along with spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Wallace was happiest when surrounded by his large and extended family.

His loving family includes , wife of 68 years, Kathleen; children: Richard (Sallie) Johnson, Minot, LaJuana (Edward) Lech, Mandan, and Randolph (Linda) Johnson, Minot; grandchildren: Tandi Michelle (Steve) Brayson-Foster, Devin Delane (Nancy) Johnson, Tiffaney Kathleen Johnson, William Brian Fox, Caroline Lyn (Todd) Wanttaja, Taryn Janelle (Terry) Erickson, Rebecka Louise Sasich, Kirby Wallace Johnson, Brady Lee Thomas Johnson, Eric Michael Sherven and Megan Nicole Sherven; step-grandchildren: Jason (Angela) Lech and Robert (Sadie) Lech; great-grandchildren, Austin Wallace Ahmann, Madison Paige Ahmann, Kolby Andrew Wallace, Mason Todd Wanttaja, Thomas Randall Erickson and Trista Lynn Erickson; step-great-grandchildren: Noah Lech, Landon Lech, Amelia Lech, and Kaitlyn Lech and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were very important to him. A special thank you to Patsy.

Wallace was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Edward (Cupie) Johnson, Florence (Eldon) Pullen, Thure (Bertie) Johnson, Helen (Tony) Rasmusson, Alfred (Eileen) Johnson and Hjalmer (Mary) Johnson.

Celebration of Life Service : Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Friday, March 18, 2011 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Family service: Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home.